Target Recalls Children's Weighted Blankets After Two Deaths

Target and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are warning parents to immediately stop using children's Pillowfort Weighted Blankets—and have issued an important recall. It comes after four children became entangled in the blankets, and two sadly died.

"We send our deepest condolences and support to the family that lost their loved ones," says Joe Unger, a spokesperson for Target.

The CPSC and Target issued this critical recall just two days before Christmas and some parents may even have these popular blankets wrapped up as gifts. Here's what you need to know about the Target weighted blanket recall and how to find out if you have one of them in your home.

Target Recalls 204,000 Pillowfort Weighted Blankets

The CPSC and Target are warning parents to take immediate action and stop using Pillowfort Weighted Blankets. Officials say children can unzip the covers of the blankets, crawl inside and become atrisk of suffocation.

根据美国消费品安全委员会,一个4岁的女孩和一个6 year-old girl got entangled inside the cover of the blanket and died of asphyxiation. This happened at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in April of 2022. Target has also received two other reports of children getting stuck inside these blankets.

"As soon as we became aware of the situation, we acted quickly to begin removing Pillowfort Weighted Blankets from our assortment and have pulled all of these items from sale," adds Unger.

Where Can I Find the Item Number of the Weighted Blanket?

If you think you may have these Pillowfort weighted blankets in your home, here's how to check. The model number is printed on the fabric tag attached to the blanket's removable color. You should then compare the model number of your blanket with those in the chart below.

The Pillowfort blankets weigh six pounds and are 60 inches long and 40 inches wide—and come in eight different prints and colors. They were sold exclusively at Target stores across the country and on Target's website. You may have bought one of these blankets between December 2018 and September 2022 and cost $40.

Recalled Pillowfort Weighted Blankets

Color/Pattern	Item Number	Online Number
Unicorn-White	097-02-0140	80774416
Space Navy	097-02-0148	80774427
Pink	097-02-0361	75569204
Blue	097-02-0363	75569205
Gray	097-02-0364	75569206
Buffalo Plaid-Red	097-02-1603	79607547
Blue Constellation	097-02-3904	76375197
Unicorn-Pink	097-02-3905	76376093

What Should I Do If I Have a Pillowfort Weighted Blanket?

If you have one of these weighted blankets, make sure to take them off your child's bed or couch and move it out of their reach. "If a guest owns any of these products, they should immediately stop using them and return them to Target for a full refund," says Unger. The company says it is in the process of notifying anyone they know of who purchased one of these blankets.

You can contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT. A Target representative will help issue you a prepaid return label to send the blanket back by mail. You can also return it to any Target store. Customers will receive a refund in the form of store credit.

Are Weighted Blankets Safe for Children?

Weighted blankets can be comforting for many children. While not scientifically proven, they are known to help ease anxiety and help with sleep.According to theSleep Foundation, weighted blankets are not safe for young children under age 3 or who weigh less than 50 pounds, But older children could use a weighted blanket as long as parents choose the proper weight. A general rule of thumb is that the weight should not exceed 10% of a child's body weight.So if a child weighs 50 pounds, the blanket should only weigh 5 pounds. If you are considering a weighted blanket for your child, consult with their pediatrician or healthcare provider first.